He informed that KMC had cancelled all tenancy agreements for the shops and it was prerogative of the civic authority. He added that the drive was not meant to deprive anyone of their livelihood, but it’s about enforcement of law.

The true face of the city has now come to light, said Akhtar.

He said the shops were served notices a week ago about the anti-encroachment operation. We will continue operation against encroachments across the city, he added.

Mayor Karachi said a list of affectees, who suffered losses during the drive, had been prepared which would be reviewed to address their concerns.

Mr. Akhtar termed operation against encroachments in the Empress Market as the ‘biggest one’.